Ready or Not

By AD Beal

Horror has had a great past couple of
years in cinema, with the rise of filmmakers like Jordan Peele,
Robert Eggers and Ari Aster, as well as different subgenres of
horror, whether it be social (Get Out), psychological (Hereditary),
even the slasher is looking to make a comeback (last year’s
Halloween reboot). Comedy, however, hasn’t gotten much love from
this resurgence, aside from some minor films in the independent
scene. Which is why it’s so good to see something like Ready Or Not
not only turn out so good, but also get a major release and
attention. But the quality, of course, is still the more important
aspect.

A bride-to-be named Grace (Samara
Weaving) is struggling to fit into her fiancé’s family, who run a
board game empire. Despite this, she successfully got through the
vows and has support from her spouse. However, the family has a
ritual: they play a game that would be the final hurdle to get her
accepted into the family. But the game in question, Hide and Seek, is
not just a different take on tag. It’s also a life or death
situation, as Grace is targeted as a sacrifice for the family, since
it is key to their survival as a result of what their ancestors did
to gain their success.

Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and
Tyler Gillett, the film is 95 minutes of non-stop action and comedy,
in what is basically a chase movie. Forgive me for the lack of a
better word, but this film is a lot of fun. It’s a good example on
how low-budget action can be just as or more effective than
nine-figure budgeted films with the right filmmakers behind it. The
action is very slick but still grounded, as Brett Jutkiewicz’s
handheld work has the right amount of shake while still keeping the
picture visible. Plus, the suspense is bolstered by the feeling of
not knowing who Grace can trust and who will be an ally or enemy.
There are some great twists here that you don’t see coming.

All of the cast is great, and cleverly
plays against the standard roles each character is given. Samara
Weaving gives Grace the traumatized lead a new take where her
familial problems are not at the forefront. Adam Brody constantly
steals the scenes he’s in as the outsider of the family, who’s
arc also brings more light to an initially awkward opening scene. And
Henry Czerny is incredible as the family matriarch, fighting to keep
everyone together. The casting directors did incredible jobs here.

Humor is the main aspect here, as the
film is just hilarious. The gags and visual comedy keep going
throughout the film almost non-stop and is best watched with a crowd.
That said though, it does kind of take away from the “horror”
aspect of it. It’s suspenseful but doesn’t really make you jump.
I also admire the film’s gore usage, as it’s just enough
throughout the film that, by the time it gets to the big moments,
it’s still impactful and shocking. And it actually makes an attempt
to make it seem like the wounds hurt. Brian Tyler’s score is very
average and rather unnecessary, indistinct from other horror films.

That all said, Ready Or Not is a blast.
I highly recommend that you see this, not just out of support for
stranger horror films, but original and independent cinema. And as
said earlier, a large crowd is recommended for this. But even on your
own, you’re still in for a great time.